Radio access point testing method and testing apparatus

ABSTRACT

The normality verification and radio characteristics test of a radio communication system are executed. RF-SWs (radio-frequency coaxial switches) change-over the paths of signals which are transmitted to and received from an access terminal function portion included in an access point. RF-SWs connect the access terminal function portion  122  with a desired one of radio analog portions. A test function controller controls the changeover operations of the RF-SWs in accordance with information designated by a maintenance apparatus (OMC). An access point controller controls in accordance with received test sort information, one or more of (1) an antenna failure test, (2) a receiver failure test, and (3) a transmitter failure.

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/073,382, filed Mar. 5, 2008 now abandoned; which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 10/910,583, filed Aug. 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,366,508, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a radio access point testing method andtesting apparatus, and more particularly to a radio access point testingmethod and testing apparatus which permit the radio characteristics testof a radio access point apparatus in a mobile communication system byremote manipulation from an operation center.

Nowadays, mobile communication terminals have become smaller in size andlower in price with the miniaturizations of components, and the numberof the users of the mobile communication terminals, such as portabletelephones and personal handy system (PHS) telephones, have increasedexplosively. With the increase in the number of the users, enhancementin convenience has been more required of each system, and theenlargement of a service area and the rise of a data transmission ratehave been furthered. The stability of the system is one of importantfactors for the convenience of the users. For the purpose of stablyoperating the system, it is important to prevent the occurrence of anyfailure leading to system shutdown, and simultaneously to quickly detectany failure having occurred and resume system operations.

The mobile communication system has a large service area divided into alarge number of small areas called “cells”, and includes radio accesspoint apparatuses arranged in the respective cells. The radio accesspoint apparatuses are connected to a network, and a user access terminalcommunicates through a radio channel with the radio access pointapparatus of the cell to which the access terminal belongs, whereby itis permitted to communicate with another access terminal connected tothe network.

Regarding failure detection means for the system, the failure ofespecially the radio interface portion of the radio access pointapparatus is difficult of detection because of the uncertain interfaceof the very radio channel. By way of example, in a case where theantenna of the radio access point apparatus has damaged, it is difficultto immediately judge the damage as the failure of the radio access pointapparatus, even at the cutoff of the communication with the user accessterminal. On this occasion, such various causes are considered that theparticular user will not actually exist in the cell, and that aninterference wave will exist in a radio zone connected with the useraccess terminal, to make the communication impossible.

Means for detecting, for example, an antenna failure is disclosed as afirst prior-art example for detecting the failure of the radio accesspoint apparatus (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1:JP-A-5-14291). The antenna failure detector disclosed in Patent Document1 is shown in FIG. 13. Referring to the figure, the output signal of thepower amplifier 1 of a transmitter is passed through a directionalcoupler 2 as well as a circulator 3 and is transmitted from an antenna4. Part of the output signal of the power amplifier 1 is inputted fromthe coupling node of the directional coupler 2 to a first detector 5,thereby to be converted into a detection voltage. A second detector 6 isconnected to the node of the circulator 3 other than the nodes thereofconnected to the constituents 2 and 4, and it converts reflection powerfrom the antenna 4 into a detection voltage. The detection voltagesoutputted from the respective detectors are converted into adifferential voltage by a subtractor 7, and the differential voltage isinputted to a comparator 8 so as to be compared with a referencevoltage. The prior-art example is means for giving an alarm with thereference voltage of the comparator 8 as a threshold voltage, thereby topermit the failure detection of the antenna 4. More specifically, in acase where the antenna 4 has damaged, a voltage surface wave ratio(VSWR) degrades to increase the reflection power from the antenna 4, andhence, the difference between the detection voltages of the detectors 5and 6 changes. When the relationship between the magnitudes of thedetection voltage difference and the reference voltage being thethreshold voltage has been inverted, the output of the comparator 8changes, and the failure of the antenna 4 can be detected. Recently, aproduct in which the same functions as in the above are modularized isavailable, and the antenna failure detection is possible.

With the first prior-art example explained above, the antenna failurecan be detected, but receiver defects cannot be detected. Anotherproblem is that, in case of a reception-only antenna or the like, anantenna failure cannot be detected.

A testing method and apparatus are disclosed as a second prior-artexample for permitting tests which cover even the normalities of anaccess point apparatus and a network. Herein, the access point apparatusand the network are tested in such a way that test information, which istransmitted by a radio channel through the network and an access pointfrom an operation center connected to the network including the radioaccess point apparatus, is received by the testing apparatus (mobileaccess terminal) (refer to, for example, Patent Document 2:JP-A-2000-332674 and Patent Document 3: JP-A-2002-271280).

The testing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 is shown in FIG.14. Referring to the figure, a maintenance engineer in an operationcenter dials from a fixed telephone set 20 the telephone number of aportable telephone 19 which is connected with an access-point radioapparatus 17 to-be-tested. A call reception sequence is executed betweenthe access-point radio apparatus 17 and the portable telephone 19,whereby the line of the fixed telephone set 20 is connected with theportable telephone 19 having an automatic offhook function. The portabletelephone 19 plays back a stored vocal message after automatic offhook,and the maintenance engineer listens to the vocal message at the handsetof the fixed telephone set 20. After the maintenance engineer haslistened to the played-back message, he/she transmits voice from thefixed telephone set 20, and the portable telephone 19 records the voice.Besides, the maintenance engineer transmits a predetermined PB signalfrom the fixed telephone set 9. Upon receiving the PB signal, theportable telephone 19 plays back and transmits the recorded voice, towhich the maintenance engineer can listen at the fixed telephone set 20.

If the access-point radio apparatus 17 is normal, both the vocal messagestored in the portable telephone 19 and the maintenance engineers voicerecorded and played back by the portable telephone 19 can be heard.However, in a case where a radio reverse link has any abnormality, themaintenance engineer cannot hear the recorded voice. Also, in a casewhere a radio forward link has any abnormality, he/she cannot hear thevocal message. The prior-art example permits the normality test for theaccess-point radio apparatus in the above way. Besides, Patent Document3 contains a testing method similar to that of Patent Document 2 as isexpanded to a normality verifying method for a packet-data callprocessing function.

With the second prior-art example explained above, the normality of theaccess-point radio apparatus can be verified, but an antenna failurecannot be detected. Another problem is that the verifiable normality ismerely the propriety of communication, and that a radio characteristicschange, such as the degradation of a reception performance attendantupon a failure of slight degree, cannot be quantitatively decided.

A third prior-art example for quantitatively deciding radiocharacteristics is a technique wherein any abnormal part in a receiverwithin a radio access point apparatus is judged from electric power(refer to, for example, Patent Document 4: JP-A-11-154903). PatentDocument 4, however, contains nothing about a normality test forcommunication and discloses an abnormality detecting method for thereceiver.

As stated above, it is an actual situation that a decisive comprehensivetesting method which covers the antenna failure detection to theaccess-point radio performance test, and a decisive testing apparatuswhich serves to realize them, have not been available as the testingmethod for the radio access point apparatus and the failure detectionmeans.

When the radius of each individual cell is set at about 2 km, the mobilecommunication system requires about 10,000 access point apparatuses inorder to offer a communication service over, for example, the whole ofJapan. The bestowal of redundant setups on all the access pointapparatuses increases a system constructing cost, and drastically spoilseconomy. Nevertheless, when the service is interrupted by any failure, aservice quality lowers for users, and also a business company offeringthe service suffers the drawback of being incapable of accounting, sothat the service interruption ascribable to the occurrence of thefailure must be avoided to the utmost. Accordingly, inexpensive meansadapted for the preventive maintenance of the system against failures iseagerly requested. Since, however, the interface between user accessterminals and a radio access point is a radio channel in the mobilecommunication system, a communication quality changes depending upon anenvironment which surrounds a mobile access point or a fixed accesspoint, and it is very difficult to decide whether an inferiorcommunication quality is ascribable to the apparatus failure or thesurrounding environment.

Now, the reasons why the failure detection of the radio access pointapparatus is difficult will be concretely explained by taking as anexample a case where an access point which steadily has a small numberof connected access terminals is existent.

The phenomenon that the number of connected access terminals is steadilysmall, can sufficiently take place even when the radio access pointapparatus is normal. It arises in a case, for example, where the radioaccess point of another system exists in the neighborhood of the radioaccess point apparatus. When an interference wave from the radio accesspoint of the other system is inputted, it becomes difficult to detect areception signal from the mobile access terminal of the pertinentsystem. This situation is equivalent to the reduction of the area offorward links, and the number of connectable access terminals decreases.

On the other hand, the phenomenon is considered to be ascribable to thefailure of the radio access point apparatus. Examples of the failure ofthe radio access point apparatus will be enumerated below.

The first failure example is an antenna failure. It is considered thatsignal power from the access point as is received by access terminals,and signal power from the access terminals as is received by the accesspoint will have lowered drastically, resulting in the reduction of acommunicable area and the decrease of the number of connected accessterminals.

The second failure example is a receiver failure. By way of example,when one receiver has undergone the failure in an access terminal whichimplements diversity reception by installing a plurality of receivers, areception performance degrades. It is accordingly considered that thearea of forward links has been reduced to decrease the number ofconnected access terminals.

The third failure example is a transmitter failure. It is consideredthat the signal quality of reverse links will have degraded due to thetransmitter failure of the access point, and that access terminals willcommunicate with the neighboring access point of good signal quality,resulting in the decrease of the number of connected access terminals.

In this manner, in the mobile communication system, the same phenomenaas in the failure occurrences (for example, the small number ofconnected access terminals) may highly possibly be observed in spite ofthe normal operation of the system itself, and various causes areconsidered for the failures, so that the failure detection is verydifficult.

When it is intended to detect the above failure examples by theprior-art failure detection means, problems as stated below areinvolved.

With the technique which is contained in Patent Document 1 cited as thefirst prior-art example, the first failure example is detectable, butthe cases caused by the other failure examples are undetectable.Besides, it is the propriety of communication that can be verified inthe technique which is contained in Patent Documents 2 and 3 cited asthe second prior-art example. Accordingly, this technique cannot detectthe case of a failure which permits the communication, but whichdegrades the radio quality, as in the above failure example. Further,the technique which is contained in Patent Document 4 cited as the thirdprior-art example cannot detect the first failure example and the thirdfailure example. Moreover, since only the decision based on the power isrendered, even the receiver failure being the second failure examplecannot be detected in the case of, for example, a reception qualitydegradation ascribable to a phase characteristics degradation.

As thus far explained, it is the actual situation that comprehensivetechniques are not available as the failure detection means and testingmethod for the radio access point apparatus. For the purpose ofcorrectly estimating failure contents, it is desired to comprehensivelytest various failures supposed. However, the interruption of the servicefor the test is the lowering of serviceability as viewed from the usersand must be avoided to the utmost. Besides, in the mobile communicationsystem, especially in a portable telephone system of CDMA format whereincommunication is held by finely controlling the transmission power ofeach mobile access terminal, the characteristics degradation of theradio access point incurs increase in the transmission power of themobile access terminal and leads to the lowering of serviceability asshortens a communicable time period. It is accordingly important for thestable operation of the system and the enhancement of serviceability tomonitor, not only the propriety of communication, but also the radiocharacteristics degradation. In view of these points, means is eagerlyrequested for testing radio characteristics on-line without interruptingthe offered communication service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has for itsobject to realize a radio access point testing method and apparatuswhich permit the normality verification and radio characteristics testof a radio communication system even during the operation of the system.Another object of the invention is to provide a radio access pointtesting method and apparatus which can comprehensively test variousfailures. Still another object of the invention is to execute a testwithout interrupting an offered communication service. A further objectof the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus which canexecute a test in a desired access point and sector on-line.

In order to accomplish the objects, with note taken of the “3GPP2 (C.S0032)” standard by way of example, the invention has configured asystem which includes a radio communication apparatus and a radiocommunication network, and it has provided a testing method which canexecute the normality verification and radio characteristics test of thesystem on-line. Concretely, a test function unit which has thecommunication function of a radio access terminal (including a mobileaccess terminal function) is arranged in a radio access point apparatus,and a main signal processing unit and the test function unit areconnected using directional couplers which are respectively connected toantenna connection parts, so as to be couplable in desired directions.With note taken of the fact that an access point controls accessterminal transmission power finely in a communication system of CDMAformat, an antenna failure is detected from the difference betweenaccess-terminal transmission power values at the changeover of thecoupling directions of test signals. Besides, the test function unit isendowed with a function capable of separating a forward link signal anda reverse link signal and setting attenuation values individually, andcommunication qualities are respectively estimated while the attenuationvalues are being changed, thereby to detect the transmitter failure andreceiver failure of the main signal function unit. It is permitted todetect the failures of the radio access point without interrupting acommunication service, by executing the series of tests on-line.

According to the first resolution means of the invention, there isprovided a radio access point testing apparatus, comprising:

an access terminal function portion which has a communication functionof a communication access terminal in a radio communication system, andwhich operates for testing a radio access point;

radio analog portions of respective sectors, each of which is connectedwith the access terminal function portion and with an antenna of oneloop or antennas of two loops for transmitting a signal to and receivinga signal from the communication access terminal by radio;

each of the radio analog portions including:

a radio reception part of one loop or radio reception parts of two loopswhich receives/receive forward link signals transmitted from the accessterminal function portion and the communication access terminal;

a radio transmission part which transmits reverse link signals that aretransmitted to the access terminal function portion and thecommunication access terminal;

a first switch which changes-over paths of the signals that aretransmitted to and received from the access terminal function portion,between paths passing through the antenna and paths not passing throughthe antenna; and

a directional coupler which connects the antenna, the first switch, theradio transmission part and/or the radio reception part to one another;

a signal processing portion which modulates and demodulates the signals;

a second switch which connects the access terminal function portion, theradio analog portion of a desired one of the sectors and/or a desiredone of the loops;

a test function controller which changes-over the second switch inaccordance with identification information of the sector and/or loopto-be-tested, and which changes-over the first switch at a predeterminedtiming in a case where test sort information indicates an antennafailure test; and

an access point controller which receives a test start instructioncontaining the test sort information, and which controls in accordancewith the test sort information, at least one of (1) the antenna failuretest in which a voltage surface wave ratio is evaluated on the basis oftransmission power values of the access terminal function portion beforeand after the changeover of the first switch, (2) a receiver failuretest in which a packet error rate is adjusted into a predeterminedrange, and a reception sensitivity is evaluated on the basis of thetransmission power of the access terminal function portion after theadjustment, and (3) a transmitter failure test in which transmissionpower from the radio analog portion is evaluated on the basis of areception power value of the access terminal function portion.

According to the second resolution means of the invention, there isprovided a radio access point testing method which employs an accessterminal function portion for testing an access point; radio analogportions of respective sectors, each including a first switch forchanging-over paths of signals that are transmitted to and received fromthe access terminal function portion, between paths passing through anantenna and paths not passing through the antenna, and each beingconnected with the access terminal function portion; a second switch forconnecting the access terminal function portion with a desired one ofthe radio analog portions; a test function controller for changing-overthe first switch and the second switch; and an access point controllerfor controlling at least one test; comprising the steps of:

allowing the access point controller to receive a test start instructionwhich contains test sort information, and identification information ofthe sector and/or a loop to-be-tested;

allowing the access point controller to transmit to the test functioncontroller a switch changeover instruction which contains the sectoridentification information and/or loop identification information;

allowing the test function controller to receive the switch changeoverinstruction, and to change-over the second switch so that the sectorand/or loop corresponding to the identification information may beconnected with the access terminal function portion, in accordance withthe identification information of the sector and/or loop to-be-tested;and

allowing the access point controller to control in accordance with thetest sort information, at least one of (1) an antenna failure test inwhich a voltage surface wave ratio is evaluated on the basis oftransmission power values of the access terminal function portion beforeand after the changeover of the first switch, (2) a receiver failuretest in which a packet error rate is adjusted into a predeterminedrange, and a reception sensitivity is evaluated on the basis oftransmission power of the access terminal function portion after theadjustment, and (3) a transmitter failure test in which transmissionpower from the radio analog portion is evaluated on the basis of areception power value of the access terminal function portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configurational diagram of a radio access pointtesting system in a “1xEV-DO” system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an access point100;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of detectingan antenna failure;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (1) of the paths of radio signals inthe case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-0 antenna of asector-1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (2) of the paths of radio signals inthe case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-0 antenna of thesector-1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (1) of the paths of radio signals inthe case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-1 antenna of thesector-1;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (2) of the paths of radio signals inthe case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-1 antenna of thesector-1;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executinga receiver failure detecting test;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of signal paths in the case ofexecuting a receiver failure detecting test as to the radio receptionpart-0 of the sector-1;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of signal paths in the case ofexecuting a receiver failure detecting test as to the radio receptionpart-1 of the sector-1;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executinga transmitter failure detecting test;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a signal path in the case ofexecuting a transmitter failure detecting test as to the radiotransmission part of the sector-1;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a prior-art example of an antennafailure detector; and

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a prior-art example of a testingapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, the configurations of a radio communication apparatus and a radiocommunication network according to the present invention, and methods ofoperating them will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings by taking a “1xEV-DO (1x Evolution Data Only)” system as anexample.

FIG. 1 is a configurational diagram of a radio access point testingsystem in a “1xEV-DO” system. The radio access point testing systemincludes an access point (radio access point testing apparatus) 100, anIP-SW (IP switch) 101, a PCF-SC (Packet Control Function-SessionControl, radio packet control apparatus) 102, an AN-AAA (AccessNetwork-Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) 103, an OMC(Operation and Maintenance Center, maintenance apparatus) 106, a testserver 107, and ISP (Internet Service Provider) servers 108.

The access point 100 has a main signal processing unit 120, and a testfunction unit 121 including an access terminal function portion 122.This access point 100 communicates with, for example, access terminals110, 111 and 112 by using a main signal path 140. A circle whichsurrounds the access point 100, visualizes the outline of an area inwhich radio waves are transmitted from the access point 100. Besides,the IP-SW 101 is connected to the access point 100, etc., and itperforms the switching of packets, etc.

The PCF-SC 102 being the radio packet control apparatus has suchfunctions as the management of session information, the authenticationof access terminals, and the control and termination of radio packets.The AN-AAA 103 is a server for authenticating access terminals, and ithas such functions as the registration and management of userinformation. The OMC 106 is a maintenance terminal equipment, and it hasthe functions of monitoring and controlling the access point 100 and thePCF-SC 102. This OMC 106 is communicable with the access point 100through, for example, an OMC-NW (OMC network) and the IP-SW 101.

The test server 107 is a server for tests. By way of example, the accessterminal function portion 122 can be connected to an IP-NW (IP network)104 by a calling connection process, so as to communicate with the testserver 107 in executing a test. Each of the ISP servers 108 executes,for example, a user authentication process.

The main signal processing unit 120 is mounted in the access point 100,and it is capable of processing the signals of at most three sectors,for example, sector-1 (130), sector-2 (131) and sector-3 (132). Which ofthe sectors the access point 100 uses in the communication of thisaccess point 100 with the access terminal, depends upon the states ofradio waves which the access terminals are receiving. Usually, however,places 133, 134 and 135 where the access terminals receive the radiowaves of the plurality of sectors are existent as shown in the figure.Besides, in some cases, the access terminals move out of the sectors, orthe power sources thereof are turned OFF. It is accordingly verydifficult to discriminate if the respective sectors are normallyfunctioning, from operating states.

In this embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, the test functionunit 121 is mounted in the access point 100, and further, the accessterminal function portion 122 is built in the test function unit 121.Thus, the access terminal function portion 122 and the access point 100are permitted to communicate in states simulating all environments, byusing an access-point testing signal path 141. The example of FIG. 1illustrates that the access terminal function portion 122 located in theaccess point 100 communicates with this access point 100 as if it wereexistent in the sector-1. When the communication has undergone anyfailure here, it can be discriminated that the sector-1 is faulty. Thatis, it is permitted to reliably verify the normality of the sector.

Incidentally, since this embodiment utilizes an interface in the case ofperforming ordinary calling connection, it can specify a failing partwithout employing any special apparatus for transmitting signaling.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configurational example of theaccess point 100.

The access point 100 includes, for example, the main signal processingunit 120 which has antennas 201 and 202, radio analog portions 210-212corresponding to the sectors, a digital signal processing portion 213, aline interface 214, a calling-connection processing portion 215 and anaccess point controller 216, and the test function unit 121 which has atest function controller 217, the access terminal function portion 122and RF-SWs (radio-frequency coaxial switches) 222-224. Besides, the testfunction unit 121 may well further include, for example, duplexers 240and 243, a forward link attenuator 241, and a reverse link attenuator242.

The radio analog portion (sector-1) 210 is a unit which has the functionof processing a radio signal, and it has, for example, directionalcouplers 227 and 228, RF-SWs 220 and 221, a filter 230, a duplexer 231,radio reception parts 232 and 233, and a radio transmission part 234.Incidentally, the access point 100 can be constructed as a diversityconfiguration. As shown in FIG. 2 by way of example, the diversityconfiguration can have the antenna 201 and radio reception part-0 (233)of loop-0, and the antenna 202 and radio reception part-1 (232) ofloop-1. Alternatively, it is also allowed to employ a system in which anantenna and a radio reception part are of single loop.

The loop-0 antenna 201 is a forward-link signal reception antenna.Besides, the loop-1 antenna 202 is a forward-link signal reception andreverse-link signal transmission antenna. The directional coupler 227connects, for example, the antenna 202, RF-SW 220, and radio receptionpart-1 (232) to one another. Likewise, the directional coupler 228connects, for example, the antenna 201, RF-SW 221, and radiotransmission part 234 and/or radio reception part-0 (233) to oneanother.

The RF-SWs (first switches) 220 and 221 are switches which change-overthe paths of radio signals. Byway of example, the RF-SWs 220 and 221change-over whether the paths of signals to be transmitted to andreceived from the access terminal function portion 122 are paths whichpass through the antennas, or paths which do not pass through theantennas.

The filter 230 is a filter which stops unnecessary signals in signalsreceived by the antenna 202. Although the loop-0 antenna 201simultaneously performs forward-link signal reception and reverse-linksignal transmission, the duplexer 231 has the function of separating aforward-link signal and a reverse-link signal so that only theforward-link signal may be inputted to the radio reception part-0.Incidentally, the forward-link signal reception and the reverse-linksignal transmission can be separately performed, but another antennaneeds to be added, and the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is desirablefrom the aspect of, for example, cost. Besides, the duplexer 231 has thefilter function of stopping unnecessary signals so that unnecessarysignals may not be transmitted from the radio transmission part 234.

The radio reception parts 232 and 233 convert forward link signalstransmitted from the access terminals (general mobile access terminalsand access terminal function portion 122), from analog signals intodigital signals, and they send the digital signals to the digital signalprocessing portion 213. The radio transmission part 234 converts areverse link signal sent from the digital signal processing portion 213,from a digital signal into an analog signal, and it transmits the analogsignal to the access terminal.

Each of the radio analog portion 211 of the sector-2 and the radioanalog portion 212 of the sector-3 is the same as the above radio analogportion 210 of the sector-1, and shall be omitted from description.

The digital signal processing portion 213 is a unit which demodulatesthe forward link signal and modulates the reverse link signal. The lineinterface portion 214 is an interface for connecting thecalling-connection processing portion 215 and the access pointcontroller 216 with the external IP-SW 101. The calling-connectionprocessing portion 215 is connected with the individual radio analogportions through the digital signal processing portion 213, and itchiefly executes calling connection processes.

The access point controller 216 controls the whole access point.Besides, the access point controller 216 receives a test startinstruction containing test sort information, from the OMC 106, and itcontrols the execution of a test complying with the test sortinformation. Such tests can cover, for example, the following tests:

(1) Antenna failure test in which a voltage surface wave ratio isevaluated on the basis of the transmission power of the access terminalfunction portion 122, so as to detect any antenna failure including thefailure of the antenna 201 or 202.

(2) Receiver failure test in which a packet error rate is adjusted intoa predetermined range, and a reception sensitivity is evaluated on thebasis of the transmission power of the access terminal function portion122 on that occasion, so as to detect any receiver failure including thefailure of the radio reception part 232 or 233.

(3) Transmitter failure test in which the transmission power values ofthe radio analog portions 210-212 are evaluated on the basis of thereception power value of the access terminal function portion 122, so asto detect any transmitter failure including the failure of the radiotransmission part 234.

By the way, the details of the respective tests will be explained later.

The test function controller 217 operates, for example, to change-overthe RF-SWs 222-224 in accordance with the identification information ofthe sector and/or loop to-be-tested as is designated by the OMC 106, andto change-over the RF-SWs 220 and 221 at a predetermined timing in acase where the test sort information designated by the OMC 106 indicatesthe antenna failure test.

The access terminal function portion 122 is a testing access terminalwhich is mounted in the access point 100. This access terminal functionportion 122 has the same functions (for example, a communicationfunction) as those of the ordinary radio mobile access terminal (radioaccess terminal) which communicates through the antennas. By way ofexample, the access terminal function portion 122 communicates with theradio analog portion 210 through paths 250 and 260 shown in FIG. 2 aswill be referred to later. The calling-connection processing portion 215of the main signal processing unit 120 executes call processing in thesame way as in the ordinary access terminal, and it establishes the callof, for example, the test server 107 with the access terminal functionportion 122.

The RF-SWs (second switches) 222 and 223 are switches which selectivelychange-over the radio analog portions 210-212 of the respective sectorsthat are to be connected with the access terminal function portion 122.Besides, the RF-SW 224 changes-over the loop in each sector, to theloop-0 or the loop-1. Incidentally, the access point 100 usuallysubjects each access terminal to a power control so as to transmit theminimum power required for keeping calling connection, to the accessterminal. Also the access terminal function portion 122 in thisembodiment is similarly subjected to the power control. The duplexer 243has the same functions as those of the above duplexer 231.

The forward link attenuator 241 is an attenuator which attenuates thepower of a forward link signal. Besides, the reverse link attenuator 242is an attenuator which attenuates the power of a reverse link signal. Byway of example, the test function controller 217 adjusts the powerattenuation values of the forward link attenuator 241 and reverse linkattenuator 242, thereby to simulate the environment of the accessterminal function portion 122 into a desired radio-wave environment. Byway of example, the test function controller 217 receives a data ratefrom the OMC 106 and regulates the attenuation value of the attenuatorso that a difference obtained by subtracting the attenuation value fromthe transmission power of the access point 100 may fall within the rangeof power corresponding to the received data rate, on the basis of therelationship between prescribed data rates and reception power values.Incidentally, the relationship between the data rates and the receptionpower values is prescribed by the “3GPP2” standard, and these data itemscan be stored in, for example, the memory of the test functioncontroller 217 beforehand.

(Antenna Failure Detecting Test)

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of detectingany antenna failure. Besides, FIGS. 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams (1)and (2) of the paths of radio signals in the case of detecting anantenna failure as to the loop-0 antenna 201 of the sector-1,respectively. Now, the operation of the antenna failure test will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. By the way, in FIG. 3 andthe ensuing description, signals Ack replying to requests shall beomitted because they are ordinarily existent.

The test is started, for example, in such a way that the instruction ofexecuting the antenna failure test (VSWR test) is inputted from amaintenance operator to the OMC 106. The instruction of executing theVSWR test contains, for example, the designation of an access pointto-be-tested, and the designation of an antenna to-be-tested (in which asector and a loop, for example, are designated).

At a step 600, the OMC 106 notifies a test start instruction whichcontains a test sort (here, the VSWR failure test) and theidentification information of the designated antenna (for example, theidentification information items of the sector and the loop), to theaccess point controller 216 of the designated access point 100.Incidentally, it is also allowed to omit the designation of the antennato-be-tested and to successively execute tests for all antennas orpredetermined antennas included in the access point 100.

At a step 601, the access point controller 216 having received the teststart instruction whose test sort indicates the VSWR test instructs thetest function controller 217 to set the RF-SWs 220-224 (RF-SW settinginstruction). Incidentally, the maintenance operator can designate theantenna (sector and loop) to-be-tested, and the access point controller216 instructs the test function controller 217 to set the RF-SWs incorrespondence with the designated antenna. By way of example,information items which indicate how to set the respective RF-SWs incorrespondence with the identification information items of the sectorsand loops, as to the individual antennas, are stored in the memory ofthe access point controller 216, or the like beforehand, and the accesspoint controller 216 can give the instruction of the settings of therespective RF-SWs corresponding to the designated antenna, withreference to the memory or the like.

Subsequently, at a step 602, the test function controller 217 sets theRF-SWs 220-224 in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction. In acase, for example, where the loop-0 antenna 201 of the sector-1 is to betested, the RF-SWs 224, 223 and 221 are set as shown in FIG. 4. Owing tosuch settings of the RF-SWs, packets of forward-link direction from theaccess terminal function portion 122 are permitted to be receivedthrough the path 260 in the figure, while packets of reverse-linkdirection are permitted to be transmitted through the path 250 in thefigure. Besides, the test function controller 217 sets the RF-SW 221 asshown in FIG. 4. Owing to such a setting, the path 260 of signals whichare transmitted to and received from the access terminal functionportion 122 are prevented from passing through the antenna 201.

At a step 605, the access point controller 216 instructs the testfunction controller 217 to set the access terminal function portion 122and to start calling connection (calling-connection start instruction).At a step 606, the test function controller 217 having accepted thecalling-connection start instruction turns ON the power source of theaccess terminal function portion 122.

At a step 607, the access terminal function portion 122 whose powersource has been turned ON dials up, for example, the test server 107 andestablishes a calling connection state in accordance with apredetermined setting. Incidentally, connection destination informationitems such as the dial number of the test server 107 are stored in thememory within the access terminal function portion 122 beforehand. Onthis occasion, the access terminal function portion 122 communicateswith the radio analog portion 210 through the paths 250 and 260. Thecalling-connection processing portion 215 of the main signal processingunit 120 executes call processing in the same way as in the case of theordinary access terminal, and it establishes the call between the accessterminal function portion 122 and the test server 107. Incidentally, theaccess point 100 usually subjects each access terminal to the powercontrol so as to transmit the minimum power required for keeping callingconnection, to the access terminal. Also the access terminal functionportion 122 in this embodiment is similarly subjected to the powercontrol.

At a step 608, the access terminal function portion 122 notifies theaccess point controller 216 that the call has been connected. In thisembodiment, the notification of the state alteration by the accessterminal function portion 122 as in, for example, this sequence isexpressed as “TAT (Test Access Terminal)-State alteration notification”.The “TAT-State alteration notification” contains information whichindicates, for example, the state of the access terminal functionportion 122 or the change of the state. Incidentally, the accessterminal function portion 122 and the access point controller 216 arecapable of transmitting and receiving data therebetween through, forexample, the test function controller 217.

Subsequently, at a step 610, the access point controller 216 instructsthe access terminal function portion 122 to start packet transmission(packet-transmission start instruction). At a step 611, the accessterminal function portion 122 having accepted the packet-transmissionstart instruction executes, for example, ping and starts the packettransmission to the test server 107. Incidentally, an appropriatecommand or application for transmitting Packets can be executed otherthan the ping. The packets transmitted from the access terminal functionportion 122 are transmitted to the test server 107 through the path 260,radio reception part-0 (233), line interface 214, etc. shown in FIG. 4.By the way, the access terminal function portion 122 continues thepacket transmission until a packet-transmission stop instruction isreceived. At a step 612, the access terminal function portion 122 sendsthe access point controller 216 “TAT-State alteration notification”which contains information indicating the start of the packettransmission.

Subsequently, at a step 615, the access point controller 216 requeststhe access terminal function portion 122 to report the transmissionpower of this access terminal function portion 122 (transmission-powerreport request). At a step 616, the access terminal function portion 122reports its transmission power to the access point controller 216 inresponse to the transmission-power report request. By way of example,the access terminal function portion 122 reports the average value oftransmission power values for a predetermined time period before orafter the acceptance of the transmission-power report request.Alternatively, the access terminal function portion 122 may well reportthe instantaneous value of the transmission power at the acceptance ofthe transmission-power report request. At a step 617, the access pointcontroller 216 stores the reported transmission power value P1 in thememory.

Subsequently, at a step 620, the access point controller 216 instructsthe test function controller 217 to change-over the RF-SW 220 or 221. Inthe example shown in FIG. 4, the access point controller 216 gives theinstruction of changing-over the RF-SW 221 which corresponds to theantenna to-be-tested in the radio analog portion. At a step 621, thetest function controller 217 sets the RF-SW 220 or 221 in compliancewith the instruction at the step 620. By way of example, the testfunction controller 217 changes-over the RF-SW 221 so that, as shown inFIG. 5, packets to be transmitted to and received from the accessterminal function portion 122 may pass through the antenna. When theRF-SW 221 has been changed-over, the packets of forward-link directionfrom the access terminal function portion 122 are permitted to bereceived through a path 261 including the antenna 201 in FIG. 5, whilethe packets of reverse-link direction are permitted to be transmittedthrough a path 251 in the figure.

The access terminal function portion 122 is subjected to the powercontrol likewise to the ordinary access terminal. In this regard, thetransmission power of the access terminal function portion 122 increasesin correspondence with the transmission coefficient of the antenna,owing to the changeover of the RF-SW 221 as stated above. The VSWR(voltage surface wave ratio) of the antenna is computed from thedifference of the transmission power values, and the detection of theantenna failure is permitted. Incidentally, the line is sometimesdisconnected for a moment during the changeover of the RF-SW 221, butthe moment is a slight time period, and hence, the call is notdisconnected due to the line disconnection.

At a step 622, the access point controller 216 requests the accessterminal function portion 122 to report the transmission power of thisaccess terminal function portion 122 (transmission-power reportrequest). At a step 623, the access terminal function portion 122reports its transmission power after the RF-SW changeover, to the accesspoint controller 216 in response to the transmission-power reportrequest 622. At a step 624, the access point controller 216 stores thereported transmission power value P2 in the memory.

At a step 625, the access point controller 216 reads out of the memorythe transmission power values P1 and P2 which have been stored at therespective steps 617 and 624, and it calculates the VSWR in conformitywith the following equation:VSWR=(P2+P1)/(P2−P1)

Here, P1: the transmission power value of the access terminal functionportion in the case where the paths of the signals which are transmittedto and received from this access terminal function portion do not passthrough the antenna, and P2: the transmission power value of the accessterminal function portion in the case where the paths of the signalswhich are transmitted to and received from this access terminal functionportion pass through the antenna.

Besides, the access point controller 216 stores the calculated VSWR inthe memory. Incidentally, the access point controller 216 can also judgewhether or not the antenna failure has occurred, depending upon theVSWR, for example, upon whether or not it is larger than a predeterminedthreshold value, or upon whether it falls within or out of apredetermined range. The result of the judgment may be stored in thememory.

Here, in a case where another antenna is to be further tested, thesequence can be returned to the step 601 so as to execute the processesof the steps 601-625. Incidentally, at the step 601, by way of example,the access point controller 216 can designate the antenna (sector andloop) for the next test, in a predetermined order, whereupon itinstructs the test function controller 217 to set the RF-SWs.

On the other hand, at a step 630, the access point controller 216instructs the access terminal function portion 122 to stop the packettransmission (packet-transmission stop instruction). At a step 631, theaccess terminal function portion 122 stops the packet transmission incompliance with the packet-transmission stop instruction. At a step 632,the access terminal function portion 122 sends the access pointcontroller 216 “TAT-State alteration notification” which containsinformation indicating the stop of the packet transmission.

Subsequently, at a step 633, the access point controller 216 instructsthe access terminal function portion 122 to release the callingconnection. At a step 634, the access terminal function portion 122releases the calling connection in compliance with thecalling-connection release instruction. Further, at a step 635, theaccess terminal function portion 122 sends the access point controller216 “TAT-State alteration notification” which contains informationindicating the release of the calling connection.

At a step 636, the access point controller 216 instructs the testfunction controller 217 to turn OFF the power source of the accessterminal function portion 122 (power-source turn-OFF instruction). At astep 637, the test function controller 217 having accepted thepower-source turn-OFF instruction turns OFF the power source of theaccess terminal function portion 122.

At a step 638, the access point controller 216 reports a test result tothe OMC 106. The test result can contain, for example, information foridentifying the tested antenna (for example, sector and loop), the valueof the VSWR stored in the memory, and/or information indicating whetheror not the antenna failure has occurred. At a step 639, the OMC 106receives the test result, displays the received test result on a displayunit, and/or stores it in a storage unit, whereupon the test is ended.

Although the test of the loop-0 antenna 201 of the sector-1 has beendescribed above byway of example, a VSWR test can be executed in thesame way as in the foregoing, as to another antenna (for example, theloop-1 antenna of the sector-1, or the antenna of another sector). Thatis, merely the settings of the RF-SWs 220-224 differ depending upon theantenna to-be-tested, and the operation is the same as in the sequencediagram shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams (1) and (2) of the paths of radiosignals in the case of detecting an antenna failure as to the loop-1antenna 202 of the sector-1, respectively. Here, the test of the loop-1antenna 202 of the sector-1 will be described in conjunction with thesequence diagram shown in FIG. 3, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

First, the test is started in such a way that the instruction ofexecuting the VSWR test (antenna failure test) is inputted from amaintenance operator to the OMC 106. Here, the instruction of executingthe VSWR test contains, for example, the designation of an access pointto-be-tested, and the designation of an antenna to-be-tested (here, theloop-1 antenna 202 of the sector-1). At a step 600, as in the abovedescription, the OMC 106 notifies a test start instruction whichcontains a test sort (here, the VSWR failure test) and theidentification information of the designated antenna (here, the loop-1of the sector-1), to the access point controller 216 of the designatedaccess point 100.

At a step 601, the access point controller 216 instructs the testfunction controller 217 to set the RF-SWs 220-224 corresponding to theloop-1 antenna 202 of the sector-1. At a step 602, the test functioncontroller 217 sets the RF-SWs 220-224 as shown in FIG. 6, in compliancewith the RF-SW setting instruction corresponding to the loop-1 antenna202 of the sector-1. The RF-SW 224, for example, is set so that packetsof forward-link direction may be sent to the radio reception part-1 232corresponding to the loop-1 antenna 202. Since steps 605-620 are thesame as in the foregoing, they shall be omitted from description.

Besides, at a step 621, the test function controller 217 changes-overthe RF-SW 220 corresponding to the loop-1 antenna 202 of the sector-1,in order that a path 263 in the forward-link direction may pass throughthe antenna 202 as shown in FIG. 7. Since steps 622, et seq. are thesame as in the foregoing, they shall be omitted from description.

In this manner, the RF-SWs are changed-over in correspondence with theantenna to-be-tested, whereby any antenna in the access point 100 can betested. Incidentally, the settings of the RF-SWs as correspond toantennas can be stored in, for example, the memory of the access pointcontroller 216 or the test function controller 217 beforehand.

(Receiver Failure Detecting Test)

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executinga receiver failure detecting test. Besides, FIGS. 9 and 10 areexplanatory diagrams (1) and (2) of signal paths in the case ofexecuting the receiver failure detecting test as to the radio receptionparts-0 and 1 of the sector-1, respectively. Now, the operation of thereceiver failure detecting test will be described with reference toFIGS. 8, 9 and 10. By the way, in FIG. 8 and the ensuing description,signals Ack replying to requests shall be omitted because they areordinarily existent.

The test is started, for example, in such a way that the instruction ofexecuting receiver failure detection (a reception sensitivity test) isinputted from a maintenance operator to the OMC 106. The instruction ofexecuting the receiver failure detection contains, for example, thedesignation of a sector and a loop to-be-tested.

At a step 640, the OMC 106 notifies a test start instruction whichcontains a test sort (here, the receiver failure detection) and theidentification information items of the designated sector and loop, tothe access point controller 216 of the designated access point 100.Incidentally, it is also allowed to omit the designation of the sectorand loop to-be-tested and to successively execute tests for all sectorsand loops, or predetermined sectors and loops included in the accesspoint 100.

At a step 641, the access point controller 216 having received the teststart instruction whose test sort indicates the receiver failuredetection instructs the test function controller 217 to set the RF-SWs220-224 (RF-SW setting instruction). Incidentally, the maintenanceoperator can designate the sector and loop (loop-0 or loop-1) of thereceiver to-be-tested, and the access point controller 216 instructs thetest function controller 217 to set the RF-SWs in correspondence withthe designated receiver. By way of example, information items whichindicate how to set the respective RF-SWs in correspondence with theidentification information items of the sectors and loops, as to theindividual receivers, are stored in the memory of the access pointcontroller 216 beforehand, and the access point controller 216 can givethe instruction of the settings of the respective RF-SWs correspondingto the designated receiver, with reference to the memory.

At a step 642, the test function controller 217 sets the RF-SWs 220-224in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction. In a case, forexample, where the loop-0 of the sector-1 is to be tested, the RF-SWs224, 223 and 221 are set as shown in FIG. 9. Besides, the test functioncontroller 217 sets the RF-SW 221 so that signal paths may pass throughneither of the antennas 201 and 202 as shown in FIG. 9. Owing to suchsettings of the RF-SWs, packets of forward-link direction from theaccess terminal function portion 122 are permitted to be receivedthrough the path 260 in the figure, while packets of reverse-linkdirection are permitted to be transmitted through the path 250 in thefigure.

At a step 645, the access point controller 216 instructs the testfunction controller 217 to set the access terminal function portion 122and to start calling connection (calling-connection start instruction).At a step 646, the test function controller 217 having accepted thecalling-connection start instruction turns ON the power source of theaccess terminal function portion 122. At a step 647, the access terminalfunction portion 122 whose power source has been turned ON dials up, forexample, the test server 107 and establishes a calling connection statein accordance with a predetermined setting. Incidentally, connectiondestination information items such as the dial number of the test server107 are stored in the memory within the access terminal function portion122 beforehand.

At a step 648, the access terminal function portion 122 sends the accesspoint controller 216 “TAT-State alteration notification” which containsinformation indicating the connection of calling. Incidentally, theaccess terminal function portion 122 and the access point controller 216are capable of transmitting and receiving data therebetween through, forexample, the test function controller 217.

At a step 650, the access point controller 216 instructs the accessterminal function portion 122 to start packet transmission(packet-transmission start instruction). At a step 651, the accessterminal function portion 122 having accepted the packet-transmissionstart instruction executes, for example, ping and starts the packettransmission to the test server 107. Incidentally, an appropriatecommand or application for transmitting packets can be executed otherthan the ping. The packets transmitted from the access terminal functionportion 122 are transmitted to the test server 107 through the path 260,radio reception part-0 (233), line interface 214, etc. By the way, theaccess terminal function portion 122 continues the packet transmissionuntil a packet-transmission stop instruction is received. At a step 652,the access terminal function portion 122 sends the access pointcontroller 216 “TAT-State alteration notification” which containsinformation indicating the start of the packet transmission.

Subsequently, at a step 653, the access point controller 216 requeststhe access terminal function portion 122 to report the transmissionpower of this access terminal function portion 122 (transmission-powerreport request). At a step 654, the access terminal function portion 122reports its transmission power to the access point controller 216 inresponse to the transmission-power report request. By way of example,the access terminal function portion 122 reports the average value oftransmission power values for a predetermined time period before orafter the acceptance of the transmission-power report request.Alternatively, the access terminal function portion 122 may well reportthe instantaneous value of the transmission power at the acceptance ofthe transmission-power report request. The access point controller 216stores the reported transmission power value P1 in the memory.

At a step 655, the access point controller 216 acquires a PER (packeterror rate). The PER can be measured as stated below by way of example.The digital signal processing portion 213 illustrated in FIG. 2, etc.has the function of making a request for re-transmitting packets whichcannot be demodulated due to errors, in demodulating a forward linksignal which is transmitted from the access terminal function portion122. It is accordingly possible to count the number of the packets forwhich the re-transmission request was made on account of the errors(hereinbelow, called the “number of error packets”), and the number ofpackets which were normally received, among the packets of the forwardlink signal as were received by the digital signal processing portion213. The digital signal processing portion 213 counts the number oferror packets and the number of normally received packets in advance,and it calculates the PER in conformity with the following equation: PER[%]=(Number of error packets)/(Total number of received packets)Incidentally, the “total number of received packets” signifies the totalof the number of error packets and the number of normally receivedpackets.

By way of example, the access point controller 216 requests the digitalsignal processing portion 213 to report the value of the PER, whereby itcan acquire the PER transmitted in response to the request by thedigital signal processing portion 213. Incidentally, the access pointcontroller 216 may well acquire the number of error packets and thenumber of normally received packets (or the total number of receivedpackets) from the digital signal processing portion 213 so as tocalculate the PER in conformity with the above formula. Besides, theaccess point controller 216 stores the acquired PER in the memory.

At a step 656, the access point controller 216 instructs the accessterminal function portion 122 to alter the transmission power inaccordance with the PER (transmission-power alteration instruction). Byway of example, in a case where the measured PER is lower than aprescribed threshold value, the instruction of lowering the transmissionpower is given, and conversely, in a case where the PER is higher thanthe prescribed threshold value, the instruction of raising thetransmission power is given.

At a step 657, the access terminal function portion 122 alters thetransmission power in compliance with the instruction from the accesspoint controller 216. Subsequently, at a step 658, the access terminalfunction portion 122 reports the altered transmission power to theaccess point controller 216. At a step 660, the access point controller216 acquires a PER again and stores the acquired PER in the memory. Themeasurement of the PER is the same as in the foregoing.

At a step 690, the access point controller 216 judges if the PER fallswithin the prescribed range of threshold values. In a case where the PERfalls within the prescribed range of threshold values, the access pointcontroller 216 shifts to the process of a step 661. On the other hand,in a case where the measured PER does not fall within the prescribedrange of threshold values, the access point controller 216 returns tothe step 656, it iterates the processes of the steps 656-660 and 690,and it adjusts the transmission power of the access terminal functionportion 122 so that the PER may fall within the prescribed range ofthreshold values.

At the step 661, the access point controller 216 calculates a receptionsensitivity from the reported value of the transmission power of theaccess terminal function portion 122, and the value of the loss of thesignal path 260 or a signal path 262 extending from the access terminalfunction portion 122 to the radio reception part-0 (233) or radioreception part-1 (232). By way of example, the access point controller216 reads out the reported transmission power value of the accessterminal function portion 122 and the path loss value with reference tothe memory of the test function controller 217, and it calculates thereception sensitivity in conformity with the following equation:Reception sensitivity=(Transmission power value of Access terminalfunction portion)−(Path loss value)

That transmission power of the access terminal function portion 122which is employed here is the transmission power as to which the PER hasfallen within the prescribed range of threshold values by iterating theprocesses of the above steps 653-660, and it has been stored in thememory at, for example, the step 660. Besides, the value of the pathloss can be fixed to a value which is capable of attenuating thetransmission power of the access terminal function portion 122 down to areception sensitivity point. That is, the path loss value is a valuewhich was fixedly set at the design of the apparatus. Since, however, amanufactural dispersion is involved in the path loss value, the value ofthe loss can be measured at the manufacture of the apparatus so as tostore the measured value in the memory of the test function controller217. Here, the “reception sensitivity point” indicates that power valueof the reception power of the access point 100 below which the receptionbecomes impossible.

Besides, the access point controller 216 stores the calculated receptionsensitivity in the memory. Also, the access point controller 216 canjudge whether or not the receiver failure has occurred, on the basis ofthe reception sensitivity, for example, depending upon whether or not itis larger than a predetermined threshold value, or upon whether it fallswithin or out of a predetermined range. The result of the judgment maybe stored in the memory.

At a step 662, the access point controller 216 instructs the accessterminal function portion 122 to stop the packet transmission(packet-transmission stop instruction). At a step 663, the accessterminal function portion 122 stops the packet transmission incompliance with the packet-transmission stop instruction. At a step 664,the access terminal function portion 122 sends the access pointcontroller 216 “TAT-State alteration notification” which containsinformation indicating the stop of the packet transmission.

Subsequently, at a step 665, the access point controller 216 instructsthe access terminal function portion 122 to release the callingconnection (calling-connection release instruction). At a step 666, theaccess terminal function portion 122 releases the calling connection incompliance with the calling-connection release instruction. Further, ata step 667, the access terminal function portion 122 sends the accesspoint controller 216 “TAT-State alteration notification” which containsinformation indicating the release of the calling connection.

At a step 668, the access point controller 216 instructs the testfunction controller 217 to turn OFF the power source of the accessterminal function portion 122 (power-source turn-OFF instruction). At astep 669, the test function controller 217 having accepted thepower-source turn-OFF instruction turns OFF the power source of theaccess terminal function portion 122.

At a step 670, the access point controller 216 reports a test result tothe OMC 106. The test result can contain, for example, information foridentifying the tested receiver (for example, sector and loop), thereception sensitivity stored in the memory, and/or informationindicating whether or not the receiver failure has occurred. At a step671, the OMC 106 receives the test result, displays the received testresult on a display unit, and/or stores it in a storage unit, whereuponthe test is ended.

Although the loop-0 of the sector-1 has been referred to above, areceiver failure test can be similarly executed as to the other loop orthe other sector. That is, merely the settings of the RF-SWs 220-224differ depending upon the antenna to-be-tested, and the operation is thesame as in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 8. In a case, for example,where the loop-1 of the sector-1 is to be tested, the RF-SWs (221-224)are set as shown in FIG. 10.

(Transmitter Failure Detecting Test)

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a sequence in the case of executinga transmitter failure detecting test. Besides, FIG. 12 is an explanatorydiagram of a signal path in the case of executing the transmitterfailure detecting test as to the radio transmission part 234 of thesector-1. Now, the operation of the transmitter failure detecting testwill be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. By the way, in FIG.11 and the ensuing description, signals Ack replying to requests shallbe omitted because they are ordinarily existent.

The test is started, for example, in such a way that the instruction ofexecuting transmitter failure detection (a transmission power test) isinputted from a maintenance operator to the OMC 106. The instruction ofexecuting the transmitter failure detection contains, for example, thedesignation of an access point to-be-tested and the designation of asector to-be-tested.

At a step 680, the OMC 106 notifies a test start instruction whichcontains a test sort (here, the transmitter failure detection) and theidentification information of the designated sector, to the access pointcontroller 216 of the designated access point 100. Incidentally, it isalso allowed to omit the designation of the sector to-be-tested and tosuccessively execute tests for all sectors or predetermined sectorsincluded in the access point 100.

At a step 681, the access point controller 216 having received the teststart instruction whose test sort indicates the transmitter failuredetection instructs the test function controller 217 to set the RF-SWs220-224 (RF-SW setting instruction). Incidentally, the maintenanceoperator can designate the sector of the transmitter to-be-tested, andthe access point controller 216 instructs the test function controller217 to set the RF-SWs in correspondence with the designated transmitter.By way of example, information items which indicate how to set therespective RF-SWs in correspondence with the identification informationitems of the sectors, as to the individual transmitters, are stored inthe memory of the access point controller 216 beforehand, and the accesspoint controller 216 can give the instruction of the settings of therespective RF-SWs corresponding to the designated transmitter, withreference to the memory. By the way, the correspondence informationitems can be created in a format which is common to that of theinformation items for use in the antenna failure test or the receiverfailure detecting test described before.

At a step 682, the test function controller 217 sets the RF-SWs 220-224in compliance with the RF-SW setting instruction. In a case, forexample, where the sector-1 is to be tested, the RF-SWs 221 and 223 areset as shown in FIG. 12. Owing to such settings of the RF-SWs, packetsof reverse-link direction are permitted to be transmitted and receivedthrough the path 250 in the figure. Subsequently, at a step 683, thetest function controller 217 turns ON the power source of the accessterminal function portion 122.

Besides, at a step 685, the access point controller 216 requests theaccess terminal function portion 122 to report the reception power ofthis access terminal function portion 122 (reception-power reportrequest). At a step 686, the access terminal function portion 122reports its reception power to the access point controller 216 inresponse to the reception-power report request. Byway of example, theaccess terminal function portion 122 reports the average value ofreception power values for a predetermined time period before or afterthe acceptance of the reception-power report request. Alternatively, theaccess terminal function portion 122 may well report the instantaneousvalue of the reception power at the acceptance of the reception-powerreport request. The access point controller 216 stores the reportedreception power value in the memory.

At a step 687, the access point controller 216 reads out of the memorythe value of the reception power of the access terminal function portion122, and the value of the path loss of the signal path 250 extendingbetween the radio transmission part 234 and the access terminal functionportion 122, and it calculates the transmission power value of the radiotransmission part 234 in conformity with the following equation:Transmission power value of Access point=(Reception power value ofAccess terminal function portion)+(Path loss value)

Here, the value of the path loss is the same as in the foregoing case ofthe receiver failure detection. Besides, the access point controller 216stores the calculated transmission power value in the memory. Also, theaccess point-controller 216 can judge whether or not the transmitterfailure has occurred, on the basis of the calculated transmission powervalue, for example, depending upon whether or not it is larger than apredetermined threshold value, or upon whether it falls within or out ofa predetermined range. The result of the judgment may be stored in thememory.

At a step 690, the access point controller 216 instructs the testfunction controller 217 to turn OFF the power source of the accessterminal function portion 122 (power-source turn-OFF instruction). At astep 691, the test function controller 217 having accepted thepower-source turn-OFF instruction turns OFF the power source of theaccess terminal function portion 122.

At a step 692, the access point controller 216 reports a test result tothe OMC 106. The test result can contain, for example, information foridentifying the tested transmitter (for example, sector andidentification information), the transmission power value stored in thememory, and/or information indicating whether or not the transmitterfailure has occurred. At a step 693, the OMC 106 receives the testresult, displays the received test result on a display unit, and/orstores it in a storage unit, whereupon the test is ended.

Incidentally, regarding the other sectors, the RF-SWs 222-224 areappropriately changed-over, and transmitter failure tests can beexecuted similarly to the above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a radioaccess point testing method and apparatus which permit the normalityverification and radio characteristics test of a radio communicationsystem even during the operation of the system. Besides, according tothe invention, it is possible to provide a radio access point testingmethod and apparatus which can comprehensively test various failures.According to the invention, it is possible to execute a test withoutinterrupting an offered communication service. Further, according to theinvention, it is possible to provide a method and an apparatus which canexecute a test in a desired access point and sector on-line.

1. An access point having a plurality of sectors and performing radiocommunication with a radio access terminal in one of the sectors, theaccess point comprising: a main signal processing unit including: aplurality of antennas for each sector; radio transmission parts for saideach sector connected with one of the antennas and for transmittingradio signals to the radio access terminal through a connected antenna;and radio reception parts for said each sector connected with one of theantennas and for receiving radio signals from the radio access terminalthrough the connected antenna, an access point controller; and a testfunction unit including: an access terminal function portion which has acommunication function same as or similar to a communication function ofthe radio access terminal; a first switch for selecting the sector,which is an object of a test designated from among a plurality of testsand performed using the test function unit, from among the plurality ofsectors; a second switch for selecting the antenna, which is the objectof the test performed using the test function unit, from among theplurality of antennas of the sector which is the object of the test andis selected by the first switch; and a test function controller, whereinthe main signal processing unit further includes, for each sector: athird switch for connecting the antenna, the radio transmission part andthe test function unit through a directional coupler and for selectingone of a path for transmitting packets from the radio transmission partto the test function unit passing through the directional coupler andthe antenna and, a path for transmitting packets from the radiotransmission part to the test function unit passing through thedirectional coupler and not passing through the antenna; a fourth switchfor connecting the antenna, the radio reception part and the testfunction unit through a directional coupler and for selecting one of apath for transmitting packets from the test function unit to the radioreception part passing through the directional coupler and the antennaand, a path for transmitting packets from the test function unit to theradio reception part passing through the directional coupler and notpassing through the antenna.
 2. An access point according to claim 1,wherein the access point receives an instruction of executing the testfrom a maintenance apparatus through a network, wherein the access pointcontroller instructs the test function controller to set the first andsecond switches to select one antenna of the sector which is the objectof the test, based on an antenna identification information whichspecifies the sector and the antenna of the object of the test and isincluded in the instruction of executing the test, wherein the accesspoint controller instructs the test function controller to set the thirdand fourth switches to select, for the antenna selected by the first andsecond switches, one of (a) the antenna side and (b) the radio receptionpart side or the radio transmission part side based on a testidentification information included in the instruction of executing thetest, and wherein the access point performs the test designated by themaintenance apparatus for the designated antenna of the designatedsector.
 3. An access point according to claim 2, wherein when the testidentification information included in the instruction of executing thetest designates an antenna failure test, the test function controller,in accordance with a control by the access point controller, performsthe following: sets the third and fourth switches to be connected withthe radio transmission part and the radio reception part which areconnected with selected antenna at a first timing after selecting oneantenna of the sector which is the object of the test by the first andsecond switches; controls to report, to the access point controller, afirst transmission power value which is obtained by establishing acalling connection between the access terminal function portion and anapparatus of a connection destination stored in advance and transmittinga packet by the access terminal function portion; changes over, at asecond timing, the third and fourth switches to be connected with theselected antenna from the radio reception part and the radiotransmission part which correspond to the selected antenna, controls toreport, to the access point controller, a second transmission powervalue which is obtained by transmitting a packet to the apparatus of theconnection destination stored in advance by the access terminal functionportion; calculates a voltage surface wave ratio of the selected antennabased on the first and the second transmission power value to performthe antenna failure test.
 4. An access point according to claim 2,wherein when the test identification information included in theinstruction of executing the test designates a receiver failure test,the test function controller, in accordance with a control by the accesspoint controller, performs the following: sets the third and fourthswitches to be connected with the radio transmission part and the radioreception part which are connected with selected antenna after selectingone antenna of the sector which is the object of the test by the firstand second switches, wherein the access terminal function portionestablishes a calling connection to an apparatus for a connectiondestination stored in advance and transmits a packet, and wherein theaccess point controller calculates a packet error rate of a packetreceived by the radio reception part and, based on the packet errorrate, sets a transmission power value by performing transmission powercontrol of the access terminal function portion; calculates a receptionsensitivity of the radio reception part based on the transmission powervalue and a path loss value of a path where a signal transmitted fromthe radio transmission part returns the radio reception part via thetest function unit to perform the receiver failure test for the selectedantenna.
 5. An access point according to claim 2, wherein when the testidentification information included in the instruction of executing thetest designates a transmitter failure test: wherein the test functioncontroller, in accordance with a control by the access point controller,sets, after selecting one antenna of the sector which is the object ofthe test by the first and second switches, the third switch to beconnected with the radio transmission part which is connected withselected antenna to set a path through which a transmission signal istransmitted from the radio transmission part which is connected with theselected antenna to the test function unit, and wherein the access pointcontroller calculates a transmission power value of the access pointbased on a reception power value of the access terminal function portionand a path loss value of a path from the radio transmission part whichis connected with the selected antenna to the test function unit toperform the transmitter failure test.
 6. An access point testing methodfor detecting a failure of an access point which has a plurality ofsectors and performs radio communication with a radio access terminal inone of the sectors, wherein the access point comprises a test functionunit that performs a function of a radio access terminal according to acontrol by an access point controller which controls the access point,wherein the access point testing method comprises: receiving aninstruction through a network; establishing, using the function of theradio access terminal of the test function unit, a communication betweenthe test function unit and the access point as though the radio accessterminal of the test function unit exists within a coverage area of theaccess point; selecting one antenna of the sector which is an object ofthe test designated from among a plurality of tests, in accordance withan antenna identification information which specifies the sector and theantenna of the object of the test and is included in the instruction ofexecuting the test; performing change-over control for the selectedantenna, based on the test identification information, to select one of(a) a path that packets between the test function unit and the radiotransmission part, or, between the test function unit and the radioreception part are transmitted and received passing through thedirectional coupler and the antenna and, (b) a path that packets betweenthe test function unit and the radio transmission part, or, between thetest function unit and the radio reception part are transmitted andreceived passing through the directional coupler and not passing throughthe antenna; and performing a failure detection of the access pointbased on information obtained by transmitting and receiving packetsbetween the test function unit and the radio transmission part or theradio reception part through selected path, wherein when the testidentification information included in the instruction of executing thetest designates an antenna failure test, the method further comprises:connecting the test function unit with the radio transmission part andthe radio reception part which are connected with selected antenna, at afirst timing after selecting one antenna of the sector which is theobject of the test in accordance with the antenna identificationinformation; obtaining a first transmission power value of the radioaccess terminal side by using the function of the radio access terminalof the test function unit to establish a calling connection to anapparatus of a connection destination stored in advance and transmittinga packet; connecting, at a second timing, the test function unit withthe selected antenna; obtaining a second transmission power value whichis obtained by transmitting a packet using the function of the radioaccess terminal of the test function unit; and calculating a voltagesurface wave ratio of the selected antenna based on the first and thesecond transmission power value to perform the antenna failure test,wherein when the test identification information included in theinstruction of executing the test designates a receiver failure test,the method further comprises: connecting the test function unit with theradio transmission part and the radio reception part which are connectedwith the selected antenna, after selecting one antenna of the sectorwhich is the object of the test in accordance with the antennaidentification information; establishing a calling connection to anapparatus of a connection destination stored in advance and transmittinga packet by using the function of the radio access terminal of the testfunction unit; calculating a packet error rate of a packet received bythe radio reception part which is connected with the selected antennaand, based on the packet error rate, setting a transmission power valueof the radio access terminal by performing transmission power controlfor the function of radio access terminal of the test function unit; andcalculating a reception sensitivity of the radio reception part which isconnected with the selected antenna based on the transmission powervalue and a path loss value of a path where a signal transmitted fromthe radio transmission part which is connected with the selected antennareturns the radio reception part via the test function unit to performthe receiver failure test, wherein when the test identificationinformation included in the instruction of executing the test designatesa transmitter failure test, the method further comprises: afterselecting one antenna of the sector which is the object of the test inaccordance with the antenna identification information, connecting thetest function unit with the radio transmission part which is connectedwith the selected antenna to set a path through which a transmissionsignal is transmitted from the radio transmission part which isconnected with the selected antenna to the test function unit; and usingthe function of the radio access terminal of the test function unit,calculating a transmission power value of the access point based on areception power value of the radio access terminal and a path loss valueof the path from the radio transmission part which is connected with theselected antenna to the test function unit to perform the transmitterfailure test.